Mary and Joseph landed safely in Bethlehem. Here are a few facts that can help you better comprehend the birth of Jesus.. Because Bethlehem was Joseph’s ancestral home, they would have stayed with his relatives upon their arrival. Israel’s first-century homes had a large space known as the living room where people cooked, ate, and slept. The stable (animal room) will be an extension of the living room, and the manger (feeding trough) will be inside this room. Not all homes will have a spare room for guests. Since it was census season, practically all of the family may have returned to the hamlet, and the home may have been crowded. The most crucial thing to remember is that Mary was denied the comfort of a private home or a room. “How would I deliver the baby in this crowded room?” Mary would have thought in a panic until they learned that the stable, a lower floor for animals linked to the home’s main room, was available. Therefore, it is most likely that Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable (animal room) linked to the living room and laid the child in the manger (feeding trough). Mary and Joseph must have been in a dire situation at the time. However, they handled the situation effectively because they knew God was in control. And everything that occurred had a “divine purpose.” They were so gracious to accept and use what was at their disposal. To ponder Just because God shows us His plans for our lives and we agree to follow them doesn’t mean that everything will be like a bed of roses. We could yet be in for a lot of challenges and surprises. However, He who called us is faithful and will be with us in all circumstances. Therefore, the next time you encounter hurdles and unfavorable circumstances, try not to panic and vent your frustrations. Don’t even doubt God’s plan and purpose. Be calm and courageous, like Mary and Joseph did, and allow the Holy Spirit to manage the problem for you. Then, even when it appears that there is no way, God will open new ways for you. Keep trusting God and remain humble, gentle, and obedient in following His instructions. Be committed to accomplishing His plan and purpose for your life regardless of the difficulty of the circumstances. Even if you are in a situation where there appears to be no room, you should remember that this is precisely when and where new things will emerge!!!
? CHRISTMAS ? Devotional - Day 06
“Mary and Joseph landed safely in Bethlehem. Here are a few facts that can help you better comprehend the birth of Jesus.. Because Bethlehem was Joseph's ancestral home, they would have stayed with his relatives upon their arrival. Israel's first-century homes had a large space known as the living room where people cooked, ate, and slept. The stable (animal room) will be an extension of the living room, and the manger (feeding trough) will be inside this room. Not all homes will have a spare room for guests. Since it was census season, practically all of the family may have returned to the hamlet, and the home may have been crowded. The most crucial thing to remember is that Mary was denied the comfort of a private home or a room. "How would I deliver the baby in this crowded room?" Mary would have thought in a panic until they learned that the stable, a lower floor for animals linked to the home's main room, was available. Therefore, it is most likely that Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable (animal room) linked to the living room and laid the child in the manger (feeding trough). Mary and Joseph must have been in a dire situation at the time. However, they handled the situation effectively because they knew God was in control. And everything that occurred had a "divine purpose." They were so gracious to accept and use what was at their disposal. To ponder Just because God shows us His plans for our lives and we agree to follow them doesn't mean that everything will be like a bed of roses. We could yet be in for a lot of challenges and surprises. However, He who called us is faithful and will be with us in all circumstances. Therefore, the next time you encounter hurdles and unfavorable circumstances, try not to panic and vent your frustrations. Don't even doubt God's plan and purpose. Be calm and courageous, like Mary and Joseph did, and allow the Holy Spirit to manage the problem for you. Then, even when it appears that there is no way, God will open new ways for you. Keep trusting God and remain humble, gentle, and obedient in following His instructions. Be committed to accomplishing His plan and purpose for your life regardless of the difficulty of the circumstances. Even if you are in a situation where there appears to be no room, you should remember that this is precisely when and where new things will emerge!!!”
Word of Hope